NPP does a u-turn, joins PDA

Dimapur, March 9: The National People’s Party (NPP) today did a complete u-turn and joined the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
On the eve of the formation of the new PDA Government in Nagaland, the NPP had decided to withdraw its support extended to the NDPP-BJP alliance leadership, Neiphiu Rio.
The NPP change of heart towards Rio appears to have happened following visit of NPP chief and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Rio as the new CM of the state on Friday.
Their move to join the ruling government was confirmed by the NDPP in a statement issued on Friday.
Welcoming the NPP into the PDA, the NDPP thanked Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and State NPP president Ato Yepthomi for supporting the leaders of Rio and for joining the PDA.
“We warmly welcome the NPP into the PDA and are optimistic of working together for progressive change,” the NDPP said.
However, it is not known whether the NPP, with two MLAs, will be given any ministerial berth or it would be content just to sit in the treasury bench. The JD-U with only one MLA and the lone Independent MLA had already been appointed Cabinet Ministers in the alliance.
State NPP officials could not be contacted for comments.
(Page News Service)